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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 January 2012
It is a curious fact that in these days when so much notice is taken of and so many papers have been compiled on the various objects of architectural interest, which fortunately still abound in our English churches, so little attention has been paid to perhaps the most distinctive feature to be found in the churches of Devonshire, namely, the series of scriptural subjects, apostles, prophets, and saints, depicted on the panels of the screens, of which so many and such fine examples have been preserved throughout the county. Elsewhere, except in Norfolk and parts of Suffolk, it is extremely unusual to find figures of saints painted on the panels of the screens, though it is probable that the vandalism and mistaken religious zeal of former days have obliterated many which then existed, and it therefore seems especially important that some attempt should be made to describe and thereby perpetuate a memorial of these specimens of religious art, so comparatively uncommon in this country.
page 183 note a ii. 83.
page 183 note b iv. 171.
page 183 note c ii. 96.
page 183 note d Since this Paper was read, an account of the screen at Kenton, with full lists of saints, has been published in the Transactions of the Exeter Diocesan Architectural Society (3rd Series), i. 114–116.
page 190 note a Vol. i. 245–258.
page 191 note a On the chancel screen at Hennock, now almost concealed by the pulpit steps, are two female figures side by side, each holding a scythe, and that to the south with her head in her hand. This is alleged to be St. Sidwell, query who is the other ? Although there is apparently no authority for the identification, it seems not improbable that the figure on the north is intended for St. Winifred, whose legend was very similar to that of St. Sidwell, and in whose honour the church of Manaton is dedicated. At Ashton both the saints are also depicted, with the same distinctive character as at Hennock. It has been suggested that one of the figures may be intended for St. Osyth, but there is no likelihood of her representation in Devonshire.
page 192 note a This contention is clearly erroneous. The bearded figure making the presentation to the Infant Christ cannot be intended to portray the cardinal. In the representations at Buckland-in-the-Moor and Ugborough, an almost identical figure is introduced, in each instance the crown being placed on the ground in front of him, and though at Plymtree no crown is now visible, it was without doubt originally depicted in a similar position.
page 214 note a This screen has been removed (1898) to the studio of Mr. H. Read, of Exeter, and the panels have all been divested of the brown paint.
page 214 note b Name St. Mark, but emblem a saw, no doubt for St. Simon.
page 214 note c Name St. Simon, but emblem a boat, no doubt for St. Jude.
